WE have completed Chapter 6 in our study, but before we go on to the next and very important consideration, I’m compelled by a couple of recent occurrences to make a side comment this morning. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, “And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.” (Eccl. 12:12) “…much study is wearisome to the flesh.”
I AM always reminded of this whenever I walked into a classroom, be it school or church, even recalling my days in the business world when I would be teaching on some work-related matter. I recall in incident when I had a first-grade student who came down with a strange rash and I needed to call her parents to come to school and take her home “just in case.” Upon picking up the child, the dad said he’d made an appointment with the doctor’s office to go in immediately to see what the problem was. At that point the child perked up saying, “Good, maybe he’ll give me something so I could come back to school!” Oh, how I wish that kind of enthusiasm remained as they grow older; but alas… it is rare, very rare.
DRIVING to a school board meeting, I heard a journalist being interviewed on the radio who was born and raised in South Africa, commenting on the passing of Nelson Mandela. One thing caught my attention. I don’t have the exact quote, but to the best of my memory he observed that “Liberty is not a momentary event, or singular occurrence.” Explaining what he meant, he said that we often view a release from bondage or some sort of oppression with a singular celebration or raised fist victory dance. However, even though there may be cause for an emotional joy, it is only the beginning of the real work of Liberty. Liberty is not won in a once and for all way, it must to be nurtured and maintained, used for its intended purpose. As I listened, I was reminded of the Christian adage “Christ has made us free not to do what we want, but what we ought.” I was also reminded of the axiom, “That which does not expand, contracts”, or as a Lesson from the Garden, “That which doesn’t grow, dies.”
THE particular point the journalist was making was that after 25 years of prison, Mandela finally won a hard-fought freedom. He was a complex individual, but whatever you thought of him, he persevered in principle, he redefined and reshaped himself, and continued his quest in a determined and undeterred manner. “Liberty is not a momentary or singular event,” it is a on-going process – “That which doesn’t grow, dies.”
SO, my point in all this is that I know that “much study is wearisome to the flesh.” Solomon closed Ecclesiastes with “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Eccl. 12:13). The problem is, that is easier said than done, and for most if not all of us, it takes a good deal of “books” and “much study” to finally come to that realization. And the truth is, those “books,” “much study,” and day in and out Psalm 1 perseverance in God’s Word is how we maintaining our liberty and necessary growth in Christ. It may be tedious, but there is no other way to the infinite grace and blessings reserved for us in Christ. The means of grace He has commended to us are the Word, prayer, and sacraments.
IF you are a reader of this blog, I know I’m preaching to the choir. But we need to be reminded of these things least we become complacent in our perseverance. Let these verses guide your thoughts and prayer today. Next week will resume our study in Chapter 7 in Principle of Position.
• All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Tim. 3:16-17
• For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb. 4:12
• Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Tim. 2:15
IN the joy of the Lord,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
